Deion Sanders Overcomes Bladder Cancer Battle, Returns to Colorado Coaching Duties

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders revealed Monday that he successfully battled an aggressive form of bladder cancer earlier this year, undergoing complete bladder removal surgery that his medical team says has cured him of the disease.

The 57-year-old Hall of Fame football legend disclosed the diagnosis during a press conference alongside his medical team from the CU Cancer Center/UCHealth University of Colorado hospital, stating that doctors discovered the malignant tumor during routine vascular testing related to his ongoing circulation issues. Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urological oncology at UC Health, described the cancer as "high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer" that was discovered on April 14, with Sanders undergoing surgery on May 9. The situation became so serious that Sanders wrote his will in May, fearing he might not survive the ordeal.

The surgery required complete bladder removal, with doctors reconstructing a new bladder using sections of Sanders' intestine - a complex procedure that left him with significant lifestyle changes and a 25-pound weight loss during recovery. Sanders candidly shared that he now relies on adult diapers and expects fans may see a portable toilet on the sidelines during Colorado games this fall, joking that "I can't pee like I used to pee" and "I depend on Depends". Despite these challenges, Sanders emphasized his determination to continue coaching, stating he never doubted his return to the program. The coach used his platform to encourage others, particularly men, to prioritize regular health screenings, noting "if it wasn't for me getting tested for something else, they wouldn't have stumbled up on this". Sanders enters his third season leading the Buffaloes, having transformed the program from a 4-8 record in his debut year to a 9-4 season with an Alamo Bowl appearance in 2024.